Section Four:  Success Strategies

Talking With Instructors

An important and sometimes difficult skill to learn is effective communication with instructors about your learning needs and accommodation requests. Here are suggestions to guide your self-advocacy in this area. In the Appendix you will find additional practice dialogues to help prepare for an open and knowledgeable discussion.

• After the the course expectations, requirements and assignments have been reviewed and you have the course syllabus or "green sheet," schedule a private meeting with your instructor during his/her office hour.

• Review Section 2 Academic and Classroom Accommodations and Services, Instructor Liaison, and meet with your DSS counselor or EDC advisor, if needed.

• If your instructor is only at the college on a part-time basis, you may have to prepare a brief summary in writing or by e-mail if they do not have an office hour on campus.

• Do not request a reduction in workload or an exemption from a course requirement. Unless it is an emergency, do not request extensions on assignments. If you feel these are necessary, discuss it with your DSS counselor or EDC advisor first.

• Stay in contact with your instructor throughout the quarter and ask what can be done if you are having difficulties in the class. Do not drop a class until you have discussed all options with your instructor and counselors.

• Instructors cannot legally alter the fundamental class expectations and requirements; nor do you want them to.

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